Make Your Home Healthy: It’s Good for You, Too!

As the weather cools off and we transition from fall to winter, we spend a lot more time indoors. That means that the health of your home has a bigger effect on the health of your family. Following these few simple steps can help ensure that your home boosts your health as much as possible.

Dust

Dust in our homes is bad for allergies and can contain chemicals from items found in your home. This may seem like a minor, cosmetic issue, but dust has a large effect on air quality in the home, and keeping on top of it can lead to big improvements.

If possible, get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting and replace it with wood or another easy-to-clean option. It can be expensive to replace flooring though, so if it’s not an option for you, vacuum as often as possible and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Test for Lead Paint and Radon

Older homes may have lead pipes or lead paint, which is dangerous, especially for infants and young children. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause cancer. Testing for both these is important to ensure your home is safe. These tests are inexpensive and offer you peace of mind that two of the most dangerous hazards are not in your house.

Avoid Pesticides

Using pesticides is convenient if you need to get rid of pests such as bugs or rodents, but they are harmful to children, not to mention expensive. Keep pests away by sealing gaps to your home and storing food in tightly closed containers.

Even when you use herbicides outdoors, you can track them into your home on your footwear. Instead of spraying weeds, pull them out – your lawn won’t be perfect but you’ll get some exercise.

Use Nontoxic Cleaning Products

Chemicals in cleaning products may be effective, but they are also harmful to the environment. Nontoxic cleaners are safe to use around children and pets, and better for the environment – important since most are rinsed down the drain.

Wash Your Hands

This tip may seem obvious, but washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Make sure to take the traditional route and avoid antibacterial soap. Experts believe that there is no benefit to using this soap, and it may actually increase our resistance to antibiotics.